Abstract: A breathing circuit is described for the supplying of low pressure oxygen to a patient that is at risk of hypoxia. The breathing circuit includes a patent airway maintaining device, a first tube that includes a substantially rigid elbow and connectors and a flexible tubular extension. An inflatable bag is coupled to the first tube and has a pressure relief valve that exhausts into the atmosphere. A second tube has a first end that terminates in proximity to the patent airway maintaining device and a second opposed end that terminates external to the first tube. A third tube connects an external source of oxygen to the second tube. A method for an oxygen breathing circuit is also described that further includes the use of a carbon dioxide monitor and the inflatable bag for assisted breathing. The breathing circuit uses only non-metallic polymer or composite type materials.

Abstract: An adapter for the purging of lines is described that comprises a plate and an attachment mechanism. The plate includes a first side and an opposed second side that are connected by at least one edge. The plate has a first interface defined on the second side that is adapted to connect to a portion of a cap of a filter assembly in a close fitting relation. The first interface is also adapted to define an interior space between the portion of the cap and the plate. The interior space is in fluid communication with a first line that is connected to the filter assembly. The attachment mechanism secures the plate and the portion of the cap in the close fitting relation. The plate includes a second interface that is adapted to connect to an external source of pressure. The second interface is in fluid communication with the interior space.

Abstract: A bag dispensing apparatus is described that comprises a container that includes a box and a series of bags. The box includes a plurality of walls that define an approximately rectangular enclosure. One of the walls defines a restricted opening. The box includes opposing walls and two of said opposing walls include connectors. A core is attached to the connectors of the container. The connectors provide for the rotational movement of the core relative to the box. The core comprises a number hingedly connected plates that are biased to a first position. The series of bags are connected in sequence and sequentially removable through the opening in the box. The core receives and connects to the terminal end portion of a last bag of the series of bags. A line of weakness is constructed between each pair of adjacent bags to permit ease of separation between adjacent bags.

Abstract: A sheet is provided for placing a brick or tile facing on a support structure that has an arrangement of apertures for the passage of fluids such as water. The sheet has an approximately rectangular conformation that includes a front and a back. The sheet defines channels between longitudinally aligned parallel partitions that are separated by a wall. Each channel receives the thin bricks or tiles. The structure of the partitions varies and can include an upward facing first portion that has an arrangement of apertures and a downward facing second portion. A liquid, such as water, that drains down the front of the sheet passes through the apertures in the first portion to the sloped second portion and is then redirected to the back of the sheet. The apertures also provide for the circulation of air.

Abstract: An aspiration apparatus 10 is described that includes a guide 12 and a set of needles 14. Guide 12 preferably has an approximately conical shape with a decreasing diameter in the distal direction. A plurality of lumens 32 extend between a distal end portion 18 and a proximal end portion 20 of guide 12. Lumens 32 have distal openings 34 in distal end portion 18 and proximal openings in proximal end portion 20. Lumens 32 are acute and oblique to the longitudinal axis and diverge from each other and the central longitudinal axis as they extend distally from distal openings 34. Needles 14 have a tubular wall 60 and are slidingly positionable in lumens 32. Needles 14 include a longitudinal section 80 of tubular wall 60 that has a plurality of apertures 72 that decrease in size in the proximal direction. Apertures 72 define an approximately conically shaped area of harvest. Aspiration apparatus 10 can connect to an external source of reduced pressure through guide 12 or directly to each needle 14.

Abstract: A combination tool is described that has a housing that includes a first side and an opposed second side, a third side and an opposed fourth side. The sides connect together to define the housing. The housing includes a first end portion and an opposed second end portion that define a longitudinal axis. The combination tool includes a razor mechanism that is connected to the housing. The razor mechanism receives and moves a cutting blade between a first position in the cavity and a second position wherein the cutting blade extends through the housing. The housing defines a channel that includes a floor, a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The first sidewall and the second sidewall have first edges that are connected to the floor and second edges that connect to the first side of the housing. The first sidewall includes a first slot and the second sidewall includes an opposed second slot. The first slot and second slot are positioned in fixed spaced relation from the floor and the second edge.

Abstract: A head covering is described that is positioned on a head of a wearer to retain the wearer's hair in a desired position. The head covering comprises a hooded cap and an extension. The hooded cap includes a pair of ties and a set of straps. The hooded cap is secured to the head of the wearer using ties. The extension connects to the hooded cap on one end and includes an opposing distal end portion with a free terminal end. The extension includes a pouch and a flap. The pouch defines a first aperture in proximity to the hooded cap and a second aperture in proximity to the flap. A passageway is defined between the first aperture, the extension and the second aperture. The flap and pouch include connectors for the optional connection of the flap and pouch to secure the second aperture in a closed position. At least one strap is connected to the extension. The straps are constructed to secure the extension and hair together.

Abstract: A linear pressure switch is described that has two conductors separated by strips of insulation. The conductors are resilient members that can vary in thickness and material along with the insulation to provide a range of switch sensitivities. The switch can include connectors and an attachment mechanism that facilitates the installation and removal the switch from a given application. In addition, the switch can ergonomically enhanced actuation. The switches can be stacked in layers and selectively have different sensitivities to provide a desired signal output for each switch in a given application. The switch can also include external coatings on the jacket which enhance the feel and resistance of the jacket to wear and misuse.

Abstract: A breathing circuit is described for the supplying of low pressure oxygen to a patient that is at risk of hypoxia. The breathing circuit includes a patent airway maintaining device, a first tube that includes a substantially rigid elbow and connectors and a flexible tubular extension. An inflatable bag is coupled to the first tube and has a pressure relief valve that exhausts into the atmosphere. A second tube has a first end that terminates in proximity to the patent airway maintaining device and a second opposed end that terminates external to the first tube. A third tube connects an external source of oxygen to the second tube. A method for an oxygen breathing circuit is also described that further includes the use of a carbon dioxide monitor and the inflatable bag for assisted breathing. The breathing circuit uses only non-metallic polymer or composite type materials.

Abstract: A rack for vehicular applications is described that has a frame that is connected to a beam by a continuous hinge. In a first position the rack is approximately aligned with the ground surface and in a second position one side of the frame is in proximity to the ground. The rack includes a removable winch that that has an operational position and a stowed position under the rack. The winch is movable between the operational position and the stowed position. The height of the winch mechanism can vary relative to the plane defined by the frame.

Abstract: An aid for the connecting of a piece of jewelry together that has a pliers type construction. The aid includes a first handle and a first jaw connected by a pivotal joint with a second handle and a second jaw. The first jaw has a distal end portion with an inwardly facing surface that defines a notch. The second jaw has an elongate arcuate distal end portion that fixes the position of a biased clasp of a piece of jewelry. The notch of the first jaw engages a lever of the clasp and opens the clasp while it is fixed in position by the second jaw. The aid includes a bias that urges the jaws to a closed position and retains the clasp in an open position.

Abstract: A container holds plastic bags which are sequentially linked together and deployed one at a time. When the last bag is deployed, the container which the bags are stored follows the last bag out of the receptacle. The container can then be disposed of, recycled, or refilled.

Abstract: A linear pressure switch is described that has two conductors separated by strips of insulation. The conductors are resilient members that can vary in thickness and material along with the insulation to provide a range of switch sensitivities. The switch can include connectors and an attachment mechanism that facilitates the installation and removal the switch from a given application. In addition, the switch can ergonomically enhanced actuation. The switches can be stacked in layers and selectively have different sensitivities to provide a desired signal output for each switch in a given application. The switch can also include external coatings on the jacket which enhance the feel and resistance of the jacket to wear and misuse.

Abstract: A wing holder is described that includes a pair of arms that are connected by a joint. The joint provides a flexible hinge for the movement of the arms between a first and second position for the seizing and engagement of appetizers, hors d'oeuvres, and other courses that include food pieces such as chicken wings and ribs. Jaws are positioned on the distal ends of the arms that include a distal first row of teeth and a second proximal row of teeth. The distal first row of teeth defines a notch for the retention of the food pieces during the eating process. The second row of teeth also engages and assists in the retention of the food pieces in the wing holder.